Combined flashlight and emergency light



July 28, 1953 w. BRuNNHol-:LZL

COMBINED FLASHLIGHT AND EMERGENCY LIGHT 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Aug. 16, 1950 W. BRUNNHOELZL- COMBINED FLASHLIGHT AND EMERGENCY LIGHT July 2s, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 16, 1950 ,f/ Ur/M.. i FINI-mlm* Patented July 28, 1953 COlVlBINED FLASHLIGHT AND EMERGENCY LIGHT William Brunnhoelzl, Deep River, Conn.

Application August 16, 1950, Serial No. 179,847

(Cl. S40-321) 11 Claims. 1

interchange or addition of parts, be instantly .g;

converted into an emergency light which is of a different shape and considerably larger size than the light-orifice in the flashlight and is in its illumination effect in striking contrast therewith, so that the emergency light will draw maximum attention and be clearly perceptible as such from a considerable distance in the dark or even in broad daylight.

` It is -another object of the present invention to provide a combination iiash-and-emergencyl light of this type which in its normal use as a flashlight has the typical form and appearance of a conventional ashlight.

` It is a further object of the present invention to provide a combination ash-and-emergency light of this type which in its use as an emergency light simulates a lighted torch that is especially apt to draw attention and be perceptible as a danger or emergency signal.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a combination flash-and-emergency light of this type which, when usedy as an emergency light, will nevertheless function as a flashlight also and emit a beam of incandescent light which may be useful and desirable 1 1 for diilerent purposes and will in no wise detract from, and may even enh-ance, the effectiveness of the emergency light.

Other objects and advantages will appear to those skilled in the artfrom the following, considered in conjunction with the accompanying light Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section through the combined fiash-and-emergency light in its .normal form as a ashlight;

Fig. 4 Vis a fragmentary longitudinal section through the combined flash-and-emergeney light in its alternate form as an emergency light; and

Figs. 5 to 7 are sections taken on the lines 5 5, 5-6 and 'l-l, respectively, of Fig. 3.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 to 3 thereof, the reference numeral Il! designates a combined ash-and-emergency light which'in its normal use as a flashlight preferably has the form and appearance of a conventional flashlight (Fig. l). Thus, the instant light comprises a casing or receptacle II for a battery or batteries B, a socket I2 for a light bulb b, a removable cap I3 for the open head-end I4 of the battery-casing II, a lightreflector I5, and switch-means I6 for turning the light on and off. The casing II is, in the present instance, also open at its rear end I1 for the insertion of the batteries B, and is normally closed thereat by a removable, preferably threaded cover I8. The socket I2, which forms one terminal for the light bulb b, may be secured at I 9 to an insulating-support 20 which may, in turn, be secured at 2| to a mountingbracket 22 on the inside of the casing I I (Figs. 3 and 6). The other terminal for the light bulb b may be formed by a contact-pin 23 which extends through theinsulating-support 20 and may be secured at 24 to a mounting-strap 25 on the support 20 (see also Figs. 6 and 7). The cap i3, which in the form shown is of the screw-on type, is provided with an orifice 26 for the outward passage -of light from the bulb b. As usual, the orice 26 in the cap I3 is closed by a transparent cover 21 which may conveniently be held in place in the cap I3 by a split-ring 28. The

light-reflector I5, which may be parabolic for the forward reflection of the light rays from the bulb b in the form of a concentrated beam, is provided with a central aperture 29 through which the socket I2 normally extends (Fig. 3). The light-reflector I5 may, for its attachment to the cap I3, be interposed with its peripheral flange 3l! between the transparent cover 2'! and the holding-ring 28. The switch-means I6 comprises, in the present instance, a sliding switchactuator 3l and a contact-strip 32 of which the latter may be in permanent electrical contact with the preferably metallic battery-casing II, and may be shifted into and from contact with `the base I 2' of the socket I2 by the switchactuator 3l (Figs. 4 and 3) to close the open the light circuit through the bulb b. The light switch in the instant light is self-evident, and for that reason requires no further description. The light described so far is of conventional 3 flashlight type and forms no part of the present invention, except insofar as it enters into combination therewith.

The present invention is embodied in the instant light in provisions by means of which the light may readily and instantly be converted from a flashlight into an emergency light, and vice versa. These provisions comprise a collapsible light-tube 35 which in its extended operative condition (Figs. 2 and 4) is adapted to be illuminated by light from the bulb b in order to serve as an emergency light-signal. flight-tube .35 is, in the present instance, of a telescopic type, having intertting tube sections 36 of transparent, and preferably translucent,plastic orany other suitable material. Preferably, the tube sections 3S are hollour irusto-cones Which are extensible into a tube of predetermined length (Figs. 2 and 4) and are securely held in extended operative condition by their firictional :engagement with each other Without offering undue resistance to their collapse :by the userzof the light when vthe emergency light :is no longer needed.

The largest tube section -36 is, in `the present instance, retained in the open :head-end Id of the battery-casing I! by a split-ring I3l (Fig. d). In order that the cap SIS may remain attached to the instant light even when the .latter is used as an lemergency light (l-F'igs. 2` and 4), the -cap vI? is secured to the smallest tube section 35" and movable therewith vto and from the head-end yI-ll of the battery-casing II.. To ythis end, -the iightreflector l has, in this instance, secured thereto in any suitable manner vdepending prongs 38 (Figs. 4 and 5) which extend along the inner Wall surface Yof the smallest Vtube section 36 and are anchored with their outwardly-formed ends 39 in adjacent end-notches Ml, respectively, in the tube section 36". If desired, the .prongs 38 .may near vtheir anchored ends 39 be 're-enforced by a preferably integral ring 4I (Figs. '4-and5).

In the extended condition of lthe light-tube 35 (Fig. e), the largest tube -section 36 thereof `is held against the holding-ring 31 by a compression-type spring i2 through intermediation Aof an .interposed auxiliary light-redactor i3 which bears with its peripheral flange 'lid against .the adjacent end of the tube section 3S. The spring 42, which surrounds the socket I2, bears with its inner -end against the socket-base I2.

The auxiliary light-reflector 63 is, inthe form of the instant light as an emergency light (Fig. 4), adapted to replace the light-reflector i5 which is then `out ci light-reilecting relation with the light bulb b. Since the auxiliary Elight-reiiector 43 bears against the tube section -36' within "the confines of the battery-casing I'I when kthe flighttube 35 is extended (Fig. ll), `the vauxiliary 1reilector is depthwise of smaller dimension than'the other reiiector l5 in 'order to be in Asimilar' lightreflecting relation with the bulb b as vthe latter reector. The auxiliary light-reflector f43 may, like the redector i5, be parabolidor substantially parabolic, -so as to reilect at least part of the light rays from the bulb b in a concentrated beam which passes through the extended light-tube 35, the central aperture 28 in the reflector I5 and the orice 26 in the cap I3. However, the light emanating from 'the bulb 'b andthe reected light from the auxiliary reflector Q3 brightly illuminate the interior of the extended light-tube 35 which, by virtue of its preferably translucent character, transmits some light to the outside, but primarily appears to an observer, even from 'a considerable distance, as a brightly illuminated signal lamp.

To stress the emergency character of 'the illuminated light-tube 35 in its extended condition, the telescopic sections 3S thereof may bear any suitable color or other markings which, when illuminated, are generally associated with danger or an emergency. Since the color red is most Widely accepted as signifying danger or emergency, the tube sections St are preferabiy of that color.

In order to convert the instant light from its normal form as a flashlight (Figs. l and 3) into its alternate `forni as an emergency light, it is 'merely necessary to unscrew the cap i3 from the battery-casing ii and draw the former out until the `tube sections 36 are in their extended operative .condition (Figs. 2 and ll). After the emergency light is no longer needed, the user of the light-shifts the projecting cap I3 toward the headend I4 of the battery-casing il, thereby collapsing =the light-tube 35. vOn collapsing the light-tube 35 and screwing the cap I3 over the head-end M of the battery-casing II, the rehector IE is again brought into proper lighti'eecting relation with the light bulb I), while the auxiliary refiector 3 is depressed by the collapsed light-tube 35 into the position shown in Fig. .3. On restoring the instant light to its normal form as a ashlight, the collapsed sections 36 kci? the light-tube 35 will become nested in :each other and interposed between `the reiiectors I5 and A63 -in-a manner like or similar to that shown in Fig. 3. In reapplying the cap i3 to the headend I4 of the battery-casing ii, the reflector i5 Willalso depress the largest tube section Sie" deeper `into the casing I I where -it may rest on the auxiliary light-reflector 43. However, the holding-ring 3l will remain in place in the head-end I4 of the casing il and again hold the tube section `36 against withdrawal from the casing von .the next extension of the light-tube B, as will be readily understood.

The instant light I' is advantageous in several important respects. Thus, the light Ii) may, on 4simple manipulation and Without requiring any interchange or addition of parts, be instantly converted from a iiashlight into an emergency light, and vice versa. The instant light is in its .normal -form as .a flashlight, Without any perceptible indication of its dual character as a flash-and-emergency light, and may in its normal form have the ytypical appearance of a conventional flashlight. The instant light is in its alternate form as an emergency light especially effective as such in that the extended light-tube 35 is in its illumination eiiect in striking contrast with that of the flashlight. Thus, the extended light-tube 35 is of an entirely different shape and considerably larger size than the light- Iorifice in the flashlight. Moreover, the advantageous -frusto-conical shape vof the tube sections 36 vlends to the extended light-tube 35 the appearance of a torch which, when illuminated in the dark or even in broad daylight, is especially apt to drawn attention, and by its red color, clearly signifies a danger or emergency signal. Also, the `instant light will, when used as an emergency light, nevertheless function as a ashlight also and emit a beam of incandescent light which may be useful for different purposes and will in no Wise detract from, and may even enhance, the eliectiveness of the emergency light.

The invention may be carried out in other Yspecific Ways than those herein set forth Without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the invention, `and the present em- Y bodiments are,'therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming Within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein. Y

- Vli. In a combined ilash-and-emergency,light, thecombination ofa casing' having an opening; a socket for a light bulb in said casing; a cap removably mounted on said casing and having an orice in alignment with the opening in said casing for the outward passage of light from a bulb in said socket; and a light-permeable tube connected with said cap and said casing, and having provision for permitting said tube to be extended from and retracted into said casing through said opening therein on removing said cap from and mounting it on said casing, respectively, said tube being in its extended condition in illuminating relation with, and forming between the opening in said casing and the orice in the removed cap a passage for, light from a bulb in said socket, and said tube being marked to signify, When illuminated, an emergency signal, and being in its retracted condition out of the path of light between the opening in said casing and the orice in said cap.

2. In a combined flash-and-emergency light, the combination of a casing having an opening; a socket for a light bulb in said casing; a cap removably mounted on said casing and having an orce in alignment with the opening in said casing for the outward passage of light from a bulb in said socket; and a light-permeable collapsible tube secured with its ends to said casing and cap, respectively, and having provision for permitting said tube to be axially extended and contracted on removing said cap from and mounting it on said casing, respectively, said tube being in its extended condition in illuminating relation with, and forming between the opening in said casing and the orifice in the removed cap a passage for, light from a bulb in said socket, and said tube being marked to signify, when illuminated, an emergency signal, and being in its collapsed condition out of the path of light between the opening in said casing and the orice in said cap.

3. The combination in a combined flash-andemergency light as set forth in claim 2, in which said tube comprises telescoping tube sections of which the tube sections which are endmost in the tube in the extended condition of the latter are secured to said casing and cap, respectively.

4. The combination in a combined flash-andemergency light as set forth in claim 2, in Which said tube comprises telescoping tube sections of frusto-conical shape so that said tube is extensible to a predetermined length, and the tube sections which are endmost in said tube in the extended condition of the latter are secured to said casing and cap, respectively.

5. In a flashlight, the combination with a tubular battery-casing having an open head-end; a

socket for an electric light bulb centrally in said casing adjacent said head-end thereof; and a cap removably mounted on, and having a light-orifice in alignment with, the head-end of said casing; of a light-permeable tube comprising telescoping tube sections of which the cross-sectionally largest and smallest tube sections are secured in the head-end of said casing and to said cap, respectively, substantially coaxially of said casing and substantially concentrically with the orifice in said cap, respectively, so that said tube Will Vconical so that they are "be extended from andcontractedinto the head- 'end of said casing on removing said capfrom and mounting it onthe head-end of said casing, respectively, said tube being in its extended condition in illuminating relation-with a bulb in said socket, and said tube sections being marked to signify, when illuminated, an emergency sig- 6. Thecombination in a flashlight as setforth in claim 5, in which Vsaid tube sections are frustoextensible' into a tube of predetermined length. Y

7. In a flashlight, the combination with a tubular battery-casing having an open head-end; a socket for an electric light bulb centrally in said casing adjacent said head-end thereof; a cap removably mounted on, and having a light-orifice in alignment with, the head-end of said casing; and a light-reflector carried by said cap and having a central aperture through which said socket extends when said reflector is in light-reflecting relation with a bulb in said socket in the mounted condition of said cap; of a light-permeable tube comprising telescoping tube sections of which the cross-sectionally largest and smallest tube sections are secured in the head-end of said casing and to said reflector, respectively, substantially coaxially of said casing and substantially concentrically with the aperture in said reflector, respectively, so that said tube will be extended from and contracted into the head-end of said casing on removing said cap from and mounting it on the head-end of said casing, respectively, said tube being in its extended condition in illuminating relation with a bulb in said socket, and said tube sections being marked to signify, when illuminated, an emergency signal.

8. The combination in a flashlight as set forth in claim 7, further comprising an auxiliary lightreflector having a central aperture through which said socket extends, said auxiliary reflector being yieldingly urged into light-reflecting relation with a bulb in said socket in the extended condition of said tube, and being depressed in said casing from light-reflecting relation with a bulb in said socket by sections of the contracted tube in the mounted condition of said cap.

9. In a light, the combination of a casing; a socket for a light bulb in said casing, said casing having an opening in illuminating relation with a bulk in said socket; a cap removably mounted on said casing in covering relation with said opening in the latter; and a light-permeable tube connected with said cap and said casing, and having provision for permitting said tube to be extended from and retracted into said casing through said opening therein on removing said cap from and mounting it oisaid casing, respectively, said tube being in its extended condition in illuminating relation with a bulb in said socket.

10. In an emergency light, the combination of a tubular battery-casing having an open headend; a socket for an electric light bulb centrally in said casing adjacent said head-end thereof; a cap removably mounted on the head-end of said casing in covering relation therewith; and a light-permeable tube comprising telescoping tube sections of which the cross-sectionally largest and smallest tube sections are secured in the head-end of said casing coaxially thereof and to said cap, respectively, so that said tube will be extended from and contracted into the head-end of said casing on removing said cap from and mounting it on the head-end of said casing, respectively, said tube being in its extended condition in illuminating relation with a bulb in said socket, and said tube sections being amarked. to signify, when illuminated, an emergency sig- 5 nal;

11. The combination in an emergency light as set forth in claim 10, in which said tube sections are red-colored and translucent and of frustoconieal shape, so that they simulate in their ex- 10 tended and illuminated condition a lighted torch.

WILLIAM BRUNNHOELZL.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Bray Sept. 7, 1937 Marshall Apr. 19, 1938 Haggart Nov. '7, 1944 Hefner et al. Jan. 20, 1952 Roberts Apr. 20, 1950 

